voltage regulator screws

[BROWN 70]

hi guys, im replacing my 46 year old v.r. and the screws that hold it on just spin. they have rubber gaskets that absorb shock on both sides. they also seem to have a collar on the outside that I might be able to hold with some needle nose vice grips. have any of you removed these screws before? am I going about this right? I don't want to mess up the rubber or the screws. thanks, BROWN 70

[kwmech]

Sounds like the grommet rubber had finally rotted. You'll have to grab the back side with a pair of needle nose pliers to unscrew them and get new grommets to reinstall

[randy500]

There are replacements for that, think might be called tube nuts? Not sure, they compress when installed and look sort of round but are cylindrical with a flange when not installed.

[Grumpy old man]

Manestruckparts.com has them they are the same ones used to mount the rear cargo light 2 for the cargo light 3 for the voltage regulator

well nuts -- .99 each call them for discounted shipping .( 816) 230-5949

[BROWN 70]

Thanks guys, great info. this solves my problem. BROWN 70

[RichardJ]

They are called Well Nuts. NAPA and some of the auto parts store sell them. You can also get them at Ace and OSH hardware stores for cheaper price.
Be sure and save the screws. Those you will not find.

As you stated, the nuts are for vibration isolation. The ground wire pigtail must be retained, because the VR must not be electrically isolated.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I used ViceGrip needle nose pliers to grip the ends of the OEM bolts when removing the External Voltage Regulator [EVR]. For ease of parts finding, I replaced the originals with 1/-20 carriage bolts and 1/4 I.D., 3/8" tall, rubber grommets and then used a 1/4" washer and nut to secure. X2 on the ground strap. Small self-tapping screw hole on passenger side of EVR